I am interested in starting my own retail mattress business. How do I connect with the manufacturers to purchase inventory once licensing and other items are in order? Can you provide me with any contact information or other suggestions? Thank you!
DDavis61:
I would tell you to place a phone call to any company you are considering and explain that you are opening a store in your area and are interesting in speaking with a sales representative to learn about, and explore the possibility of carrying, their product. They’ll most likely take your information and then hopefully you’ll receive a phone call from a regional or local sales representative within a week or so. At that point they’ll learn a bit about you and you can find out if they are looking for people to carry their product in your area. If they are and they think that you may be a fit, they’ll probably then schedule a personal visit with you at which point they’ll usually want to know a bit more about your background and store plans and method of representing their product. If you do come to an agreement, you’ll then usually complete paperwork which will include some financial information to satisfy the accounting department where they’ll establish terms for shipping/payment.
If you’re considering a larger company, you may be referred to a regional licensee factory where they’ll be able to put you in contact with the sales representative for your area.
If you can’t find a phone number to contact the company, then email would be your next best bet (or some companies have a “contact us” form for you to fill out). But I’ve found a phone call produces results that are more swift.
Thank you so much for the response! I will certainly take your advice. Will let you know how it goes. I have what I believe will be a unique way of selling quality mattresses. I appreciate this forum and the great information.